Australia's agriculture to be protected in overseas markets: entrepreneur

An Australian entrepreneur said on Tuesday that it is time for the country's agricultural industry to provide major opportunities for Asia's investors while having confidence the high quality Australian brand will be protected in overseas markets.

Andrew Forrest, chairman of the iron ore giant Fortestcue Metals Group Ltd, urged to establish a unified logo and quality control system to endear confidence in the integrity and high quality of Australia's produce.

"Right next to the price they can scan that (true Aussie brand) with their phone that checks the exact origin where that fruit, wine, meant, grains, whatever Australia is producing, comes from and they can be assured that it's Australian," Forrest told reporters in Sydney.

Forrest said it is now up to the Australian agricultural sector to provide the major opportunities for the hundreds of Asian investors into, despite the fragmentation that exists, which he says is solvable. Endi